Johnson beat out Newton by capturing 52% of the 651,000 votes that were cast. Johnson with Newton looking on as well said that he was “shocked” to see that he won the cover when he looked up at the big Times Square video screen and saw his image on the game.

“Megatron” is coming off of a marquee season where he amassed more than 1,600 yards receiving, 16 touchdowns and 96 catches. Johnson will have to try and shake off the “madden curse” stereotype that each player on the cover has had deal with.

Calvin Johnson not only posted some all time stats in the 2011 season, but he also became the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL.

The money thing was probably enough to deal with and to try and live up to in 2012, but now Johnson has to see if he can silence the “curse” with big numbers on the field.

Detroit fans certainly hope Johnson continues to dominate in 2012 and that the team builds off of last year’s success.